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few basics, a couple of toys, and purchasing them a pre-cooked Christmas dinner from the grocer will bring some relief to the parents, and the children won't think that Santa forgot about them.

Send cards and a care package to our troops and let them know you appreciate the sacrifices they've made for us. Search the internet for groups that assemble goodie boxes, and visit the Red Cross website for information on sending cards. While we sit at our computers and surf the web, while we drive to the convenient store because we can't go another minute without a slushy drink, while we go about our everyday livesour men and women are thousands of miles from their families, missing their children's first words, first steps, and high school graduations. They are fighting for their lives and putting themselves in the line of fire every day so we can enjoy a glass of eggnog with our friends this Christmas and not worry about the safety of our country.

It's important to remember the reason for the Christmas season. It's not the receiving of gifts, eating and drinking until we're miserable, buying the latest, greatest gadget to keep up with the Joneses, or overwhelming the kids with expensive video games. It's not only about paying homage to our respective religions, but it's about reaching out and simply giving something of yourself to others. The cash expenditures don't have to be large, and involving your children in these selfless activities will give them lasting memories and teach them to value the things they already possess. Let them pick out toys for the homeless children. Ask them to sing "Jingle Bells" or "Frosty the Snowman" to a nursing home resident. Have the kids draw homemade Christmas cards to send to our soldiers.

Let's also not forget that the Christmas season is not the only time of year others need a hand. By volunteering and providing occasional donations all year long, recession year or not, you can experience the joy of helping those facing hardship and separation from their families, and set a great example for children. At the same time, you'll be providing joy to others.

Learn more about this author, Julie Sewell-Schmidt.
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